1973 440/ 4 speed question
 

i bought a 73 440 truck engine with a steel crank it currently has the automatic trans behind it. I plan on rebuilding the engine and buying a 4 speed to replace the automatic trans, is there a specific year 4 speed i have to use as well can i use a 23 spline behind it? Any info would be greatly appreciated! When i go to build the motor i'm looking to get around 450 hp on the rebuild. I have no direction yet on how i want to go on rebuild; im in process of gathering parts and saving money.

thanks,

any year will work just need a BB bell housing and a manual crank, or cut down the input shaft of the 4 speed to fit in the automatic crank.

So can i get by with a 23 spline or am i looking at the more expensive 18 spline tranny for this 440?

Are the 902 heads worth rebuilding to get better compression or should i look for some other heads for the rebuild?

Thanks for the help!

the 23 spline will handle 500 hp easy,